The Daily Sentinel – When the Colorado Mountain Winefest started in 1992, it was meant to bolster tourism and the wine industry on the Western Slope. Twenty-five years later, it’s safe to say it’s been a success.

After starting with five wineries and 500 attendees the first year, Winefest — as it’s simply become known — has sold out the past two years, bringing in more than 6,500 attendees each year. It is expected to sell out once again this year and the festival has turned into one of the most economically impactful weekends each year in Palisade and throughout the Grand Valley.